Longton, Lancashire
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Longton | |
  Longton shown within Lancashire |
|
| OS grid reference | |
|---|---|
| District | South Ribble |
| Shire county | Lancashire |
| Region | North West |
| Constituent country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | PRESTON |
| Postcode district | PR4 |
| Dialling code | 01772 |
| Police | Lancashire |
| Fire | Lancashire |
| Ambulance | North West |
| European Parliament | North West England |
| UK Parliament | South Ribble |
| List of places: UK • England • Lancashire | |
Longton is a small rural community in the west of the borough of South Ribble, Lancashire about 5 km south west of Preston. Longton is a village of ancient origin. The Parish Church, St. Andrew's was completed in 1887, but there is record of a chapel on the same site as long ago as 1150. A document refers to "Earward Priest of Longton" of that date.
Longton Brickcroft is a former brickworks which has been transformed into a nature reserve and public open space. The environment has been made extremely attractive, dominated by water which has filled the former clay pits. One of the water areas is available for fishing. The areas surrounding the water have been allowed to develop naturally with trees, shrubbery and wild plants.
The Brickcroft will be of particular interest to birdwatchers and botanists with seating and footpaths making it accessible for most visitors.
A purpose built visitor centre contains informative displays on the site's history, local wildlife and the environment. Facilities include toilets with disabled and baby changing provision, car parking and a picnic area.
Longton Marshes are a large area of marshland to the west of Longton lying at the confluence of the Rivers Douglas and Ribble which is now part of the Ribble Link. It is the natural home for a large variety of visiting and indigenous wildfowl. The 70 mile Ribble Way footpath starts at The Dolphin Inn on the edge of the marsh and follows its edge before joining the Ribble.
Longton Bridge railway station on the West Lancashire Railway closed when the line closed in 1964.
